David O'ConnellEdward Scissorhands: A Tim Burton masterpiece
July 18th 2008 04:32
Tim Burton’s exceptional 1990 film was one I reluctantly delayed watching until quite a few years after its release……………and then cursed myself, wondering why the hell it took me so long!! It’s become one of my favourite films, an almost flawless creation, a shimmeringly beautiful, gothic fairytale full of the most astounding colours and set design, and graced by Danny Elfman’s most whimsical score at the time, which matches the film’s magic at every step.
Children and adults alike can grasp the genius of this film, and for very different reasons, which is its greatest attribute; it transcends genres and becomes a unique masterpiece in its own right. Johnny Depp has collaborated so many times now with Burton that they may be both running out of fingers, but nothing can go past his portrayal of the ultimate outsider in poor Edward, the unfinished project of his Inventor (Vincent Price), living alone in his gothic castle on the hill before an avon lady, Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest) discovers him and unleashes him upon the unsuspecting town below - with its perfect rows of pastel-coloured, identical houses - and ‘adopts’ him for her own family.
Alan Arkin as her husband Bill gives one of his greatest performances, his deadpan humour has me in stitches every time, whilst their daughter Kim (Winona Ryder) is attracted to Edward’s sweet, inquisitive nature, in stark contrast to her domineering boyfriend Jim (Anthony Michael Hall, playing against type of those earlier John Hughes comedies he appeared in).
Edward’s interactions with the townsfolk are often very funny; after the initial fear and curiosity they become fascinated by him before finally embracing his eccentricities – soon everyone wants to be seen with him. There are some hilarious moments, especially those involving the amorous overtures of Joyce (Kathy Bates), and the employment of Edward’s obvious hairdressing and dog-trimming skills.
But of course there’s bound to be a cost for Edward’s trusting, innocent nature in the end and the bittersweet direction the film takes can’t erode – in fact only enhances - its magical power, and the magic of Burton’s storytelling gifts – the perfect culmination here of all his earlier work as an animator. His story was conceived with Caroline Thompson, who fleshed it out into a masterful full-length screenplay.
Depp is perfect and you feel no one else could have inhabited this role to any greater effect. Ryder is also superb as the beguiled Kim, whilst virtually every supporting role is pitch perfect, there’s not a weak link amongst them.
Bo Welsh’s production design is peerless, providing the most amazing eye candy, whilst Stephan Czapsky’s cinematography compliments it with the perfect touch.
Danny Elfman’s score is a timeless classic of its own and has been imitated many times by lesser composers in the intervening years, it’s the perfect musical embodiment of fairy tale music imbued with a dark twist, as befitting so many of his collaborations with the director.
Edward Scissorhands is Tim Burton’s masterwork, and a film that has already stood the test of time, almost two decades now. It’s an indisputable classic that I, for one, will still be enjoying just as much in the years ahead.
Children and adults alike can grasp the genius of this film, and for very different reasons, which is its greatest attribute; it transcends genres and becomes a unique masterpiece in its own right. Johnny Depp has collaborated so many times now with Burton that they may be both running out of fingers, but nothing can go past his portrayal of the ultimate outsider in poor Edward, the unfinished project of his Inventor (Vincent Price), living alone in his gothic castle on the hill before an avon lady, Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest) discovers him and unleashes him upon the unsuspecting town below - with its perfect rows of pastel-coloured, identical houses - and ‘adopts’ him for her own family.
Alan Arkin as her husband Bill gives one of his greatest performances, his deadpan humour has me in stitches every time, whilst their daughter Kim (Winona Ryder) is attracted to Edward’s sweet, inquisitive nature, in stark contrast to her domineering boyfriend Jim (Anthony Michael Hall, playing against type of those earlier John Hughes comedies he appeared in).
Edward’s interactions with the townsfolk are often very funny; after the initial fear and curiosity they become fascinated by him before finally embracing his eccentricities – soon everyone wants to be seen with him. There are some hilarious moments, especially those involving the amorous overtures of Joyce (Kathy Bates), and the employment of Edward’s obvious hairdressing and dog-trimming skills.
Edward becomes a smash hit as a hairdresser
But of course there’s bound to be a cost for Edward’s trusting, innocent nature in the end and the bittersweet direction the film takes can’t erode – in fact only enhances - its magical power, and the magic of Burton’s storytelling gifts – the perfect culmination here of all his earlier work as an animator. His story was conceived with Caroline Thompson, who fleshed it out into a masterful full-length screenplay.
Depp is perfect and you feel no one else could have inhabited this role to any greater effect. Ryder is also superb as the beguiled Kim, whilst virtually every supporting role is pitch perfect, there’s not a weak link amongst them.
Bo Welsh’s production design is peerless, providing the most amazing eye candy, whilst Stephan Czapsky’s cinematography compliments it with the perfect touch.
Danny Elfman’s score is a timeless classic of its own and has been imitated many times by lesser composers in the intervening years, it’s the perfect musical embodiment of fairy tale music imbued with a dark twist, as befitting so many of his collaborations with the director.
Edward Scissorhands is Tim Burton’s masterwork, and a film that has already stood the test of time, almost two decades now. It’s an indisputable classic that I, for one, will still be enjoying just as much in the years ahead.
Edward comforts Kim
An essential item for any film music fan's cd library
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Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
NO-ONE could have played Edward better. I have been considering going to see Matthew Bourne's production of this but I don't know if I can handle someone else trying to play that role, when Johnny did it with such sweet perfection.
And yes, it had such a timeless fairytale feel to it, with the romance and humour and tragedy. The eccentric contrast between the dark, decaying castle on the hill and pastel suburbia is brilliant.
Michaelie
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic